Feeling strong and perhaps overly brave, after our 52 mile ride, we decided to tackle one of our tougher courses today. Mid 70's for temps, and a stiff breeze. It gets tiresome to fight the wind at times, but it does keep us cool while riding, so I guess it's a trade off. Our mission today, was to ride out past Sunrise Lake. A course that has some very mean hills.
First, into LeRoy to run a few errands, then onto the serious business of tackling the course of the day. This is Tony's second time riding with his new crank arms, so he's eager to see how they work. Our feet were solid on the pedals and our legs happily pumping away as we headed East on 15 Mile Rd. Gave ourselves and each other, a little "rah-rah" talk about how we were ready for this, Rollin is lighter, so it should be easier, and we were in this together. We believed that until about the 3rd climb. Apparently, we had forgotten how brutal this landscape was. Hill after hill, it continued to remind us.
There are quite a few homes along the way. This little cabin, had a homey welcoming look to it. I wonder what they would have done if we had stopped and asked to rent a room for the night.
It was a relief, when we got past all of that and the road flattened out. Soon after, we had a long downhill section, arriving, in no time. Sunrise Lake is about 120 acres in size and is an all sports lake. The swimming area, is to the right of the boat launching area. Many years ago, a young man, that went to our church, drowned in this lake. I think he was in his teens. I don't really know details about the incident, but I think he was swimming with friends. We didn't know him, it happened years before we moved up north. Still, I think of him with sadness, each time I see this lake or drive by it. What tragedy, a simple summer outing, brought to this family. I prayed for them today, as I looked over the water.
The lake is owned by the Department of Natural Resources . Osceola County operates it, by special permit. These waters, are known for great trout fishing. Across the road from the shore is a State Forest, where there are 2 beautiful primitive camp sites that over look the lake, also 17, good sized. primitive campsites, nestled among the pines. The boat launch often sees action, and there is a day use facility as well. (fancy lingo, for an out house and the picnic table, that wasn't there yet.) Since the park borders the Pere Marquette State Forest, there is an extensive network of ORV trails to enjoy. The road and the pines keep the noise from being the main event in this peaceful place. Hand pumped water is available, but we have yet to find it. We made sure we had our Camleback Unbottles with us, in addition to our water bottles, with electrolyte in them.
I think I need to loosen the laces on the back of my seat, to make it easier to get my Camelback in there. It's a real struggle to get it in and out, now. Not really any other place to put it, where Tony wouldn't hit it when pedaling.
I could only fill it about half full of water today, but Tony was glad to share his. We found a nice shady spot and took a break. This is the view from the stokers seat.
Rest time over, we wanted to ride a few miles past the lake, so we could have 21 and a half, miles in, when we got back home.
2 miles down the road, we turned around and headed east. The long, fun down hill section, was now a slow, long, uphill climb. I didn't look at the odometer, but it felt like the upgrade went on for over a mile. Once we were through that, the hills loomed before us. As we stared up the first giant, Tony's remark was, "Now the fun begins." Tired, had a way of making the hills seem bigger on our return trip. We didn't go as fast downhill, due to a headwind. Once we got off of 15 Mile Rd., we still had 5 miles of hills before we got home. The hills are smaller than the ones we had just ridden, but they didn't feel like it. Seeing these horses grazing was a welcome distraction, even though it was temporary.
By the time we got home we had ridden 21 and a half, miles, and met our goal of 90 miles for the week. We were glad todays ride was over. Man, were we glad.
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